• Filipe
• On March 5, 2018

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you need to consider so much more than heated seats or four-wheel drive. Many modern vehicles have ‘new’ tech offerings standard, but if you don’t actually understand how such technologies work, then they’re more distracting than useful.

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In order to assist drivers learn how valuable many of these constantly evolving safety features might be, The Hartford is committed to the growth of its long-running AARP Driver Safety partnership to collaboratively develop SmartDriverTEK, which is an innovative and exclusive vehicle technology education program. Working together, AARP Driver Safety and The Hartford aim to assist drivers in the following goals:

Comprehend both current and developing vehicle safety technologies as well as how to utilize them

Recognize the power of such technologies to improve their driving safety and possible expand how many safe driving years they can have

Choose which technologies are going to suit their personal needs best

The development of the program follows a number of recent studies from both the MIT AgeLab and The Hartford researching drivers aged 50 or more, looking specifically into their preferences surrounding vehicle safety technology. In conjunction with an earlier study that showed the prominent vehicle technologies best suited for mature drivers, the more recent research indicated that more than three-quarters of drivers 50 or over that plan on buying a new car in the next several years are actively looking for high-caliber safety technology and features.

In contrast, only about a third of drivers in the 50+ column who got a car in the previous year were intentionally seeking out such vehicle technologies.

Whether you recently bought a new car which has some of this technology or you’re thinking about upgrades, be mindful of this list covering some of the best vehicle technologies out there:

Forward collision warning: This might also be known as a crash mitigation system, which has sensors that detect when your vehicle is in danger of collision with an object or vehicle that’s ahead of you. You’ll get a warning if you’re approaching too quickly to another vehicle. A number of vehicles come equipped with active braking systems which are designed to bring your vehicle to a stop before crashing.

Emergency response systems: Most drivers think they’ll just use their smartphones to reach out to emergency response personnel, but that might not actually work in all circumstances. Also known as Automatic Crash Notification systems, quite a few vehicles now come equipped with these emergency response systems that provide quick help to drivers in cases of collision or medical emergency, often meaning that first responders get to a scene faster. A number of systems even do things like shut off the fuel, unlock doors, and turn on the interior lights when the airbags deploy.

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Reverse monitoring systems: Such systems are often made up of sound alerts and rearview cameras which help drivers back up safely and judge distances. Drivers that have reduced flexibility also enjoy them. Reverse monitoring systems are supposed to be standard in all cars by 2018.

Blind-spot warning systems: All drivers find blind spots challenging, particularly if they’re trying to change their lane on a freeway or park straight in a crowded lot. Such systems alert you to any objects in your blind spots if you’re parking or changing lanes. On the other hand, you should still take any steps you can to limit the blind spots your vehicle has. Adjust your rearview mirror properly so that you’re able to see the entirety of your rear window. You’ll know that your right and left mirrors are adjusted properly when you’re barely able to see the back of your vehicle through either mirror.

Drowsy driving alerts: Are you aware of the fact that drowsy driving proves just as hazardous as driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol? The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has data suggesting that drowsy driving is the culprit behind more than a hundred thousand annual crashes. Drowsy driving alert systems are able to monitor how attentive or inattentive drivers might be and helps them stay alert to what they’re doing, all with the intention preventing drivers from dozing off while driving.

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